To ask what a 'numpty' is where you live and if it's offensive?

[Eeepsh]

Around here (South East) it means being a bit of a twit and is usually used with affection but I use it about my son and someone from East Anglia area was horrified!

Just wondering if it's a regional thing.

scotland, very mild and affectionate way of saying daft or silly, usually would be used for children and certainly not for someone you don’t like

South East/London also and numpty is in no way offensive.

Always said in an affectionate way by me. Sort of to make someone feel better about making an easy mistake like anyone can.

If I was stressed/angry then numpty wouldn't be the word I'd choose.

Scotland - its mild and fairly affectionate, like calling someone a muppet

East Anglia/Southwest here. It's about the same level of idiocy as pillock, twallop, twit etc. Absolutely not offensive unless taking offence is a hobby.

South Wales too 😊

Numpty often said with affection around here.

Its affectionate in my book as its used all the time in Belfast and in my family and friends its usally said whilst laughing! like wearing odd shoes or just something really accidentally silly

Essex and exactly as you say. My dad used to use it as a form of endearment to me

Yes, I’m from Scotland and cunt can definitely be used affectionately! “A’right, cunts?” being a standard friendly greeting when meeting up with pals in some circles 😄

Yeah, Special is a huge insult amongst Da Yoot

Possibly, where would you rank Pillock?

Wazzock is a great word and should be used more . My DM used it a lot . Manc to the core .

I thought it came from the Scottish "Numpty heid" for empty head

Bit of a twit, Surrey, not offensive.

Nw. Not offensive. Similar to 'melt' which I love.

West of Scotland, means a twit, not offensive.

North west - a bit silly or naive. Not offensive and often affectionate.

Originally from the North West-meaning a bit daft/silly, not offensive, said with affection

South Yorkshire - "numpty" is on par with "doll's head"

Just means "silly"

Norfolk here...the problem isn't the word "numpty" but the person who took offence.

Londoner and say 'Wazzock' a lot.

In my mind it's a harder insult than numpty.

It's sort of how I say twat without swearing.

Nottinghamshire - quite an affectionate term for being a bit naive and clueless
I use it quite a lot! )mostly about myself)

Ooh now - probably in between, could be used affectionately. But more of being a dope, wazzock is more a comment on the persons character ie not nice.

You might see saying it as 'affectionate' but, the person on the receiving end might not. You say that you use the word 'numpty' to someone to make them feel better? There are a lot of other words you could use.

Numpty is Scottish, is not derived from an offensive term and is very affectionate. It's a loving acknowledgement that you've done something a bit silly.

Special on the other hand is definitely becoming offensive l and my kids would think I was taking the piss if I called them 'my special boy/girl'. I suppose because the historic terms for people with learning difficulties (e.g. from the UK Mental Deficiency Act of 1913: idiot, imbecile, feeble minded. Or the even older terms like cretin, moron, retarded) have become offensive the terms change (so we now have e.g. SEN) and they then become offensive themselves. Ha, there's a term for it: The Euphemism Treadmill.